ACCRETION TECHNOLOGIES

Gorgon CubeSat

The Gorgon CubeSat, proposed at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Satellite Laboratory (SDSL) in 2021, is a 12U satellite designed to combat ocean plastic pollution through hyperspectral imaging and innovative communication. As a mechanical engineering student, I collaborated with a team of engineering students, initially designing a 3U CubeSat before modifying it to a 12U platform, and proposed an Iridium-based data relay to eliminate ground stations. This project reflects my passion for aerospace innovation and environmental stewardship, tackling the global “Missing Plastic Problem” with space-based technology.

The CubeSat, in proposal form, features a SWIR hyperspectral imager (1000-1700 nm, 50 m GSD, 50 km swath) for detecting macroplastics in a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit. I collaborated on specifying components like the Blue Canyon XACT-50 ADCS and DHV Technology solar panels (25 W), using SolidWorks for conceptual design. My key contribution was proposing an Iridium satellite terminal for space-to-space data relay, aiming to reduce infrastructure costs. This required extensive research into orbital dynamics and subsystem compatibility, ensuring a cohesive 12U platform.

Scaling from a 3U to a 12U design introduced power and thermal constraints. I addressed these by modeling thermal dissipation in SolidWorks, ensuring electronics stayed within operational temperatures. The Iridium terminal integration required validating compatibility with the Iridium constellation for space-to-space communication. Coordinating with SDSL teammates, I balanced payload mass and power, optimizing for a proposed 1-year mission life in a debris-heavy orbit.

As a conceptual proposal, the design underwent iterative refinement. I conducted trade studies to select the Unibap iX5-100 OBC for processing hyperspectral data and GOMspace NanoPower BPX for battery reliability. My Iridium proposal required simulating orbital passes to confirm coverage with the Iridium constellation. I also led subsystem integration, ensuring the imager, ADCS, and communication systems aligned via MIL-STD-1553 protocols. This process strengthened the proposal, enabling peers to gain experience and explore opportunities.

The Gorgon CubeSat demonstrates my expertise in spacecraft design, systems engineering, and creative problem-solving. By targeting ocean plastics, it supports global environmental monitoring, with potential applications in climate research. My Iridium innovation could simplify communications for future CubeSat missions. Though in proposal form, the project positions me to contribute to aerospace advancements. Future steps include refining the proposal and seeking partnerships, potentially with NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative.

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